Eastern Cape lookout points with a view

When you’re visiting the Eastern Cape, be sure to capture some unforgettable moments that you can share on social media and relive with family and friends later! Here we at Lungile Lodge have selected three of our favourite dramatically different lookout points with a view.

Campanile Tower

Looking out over Port Elizabeth’s coastline, the Campanile bell tower is an iconic landmark and was commissioned to mark the centenary of the landing of the British settlers in Algoa Bay in 1820. Part the Route 67 heritage trail (and our Port Elizabeth City Tour), this site offers energetic visitors the chance to climb its 204 steps all the way to the Observatory Room where they are rewarded with stunning views of the working Port Elizabeth Harbour. The Observatory also contains the largest carillon of bells in the country with 23 bells. The bells feature a light display, with a “ghost clock” that lights up when the bells ring. This 50-metre-high attraction is the perfect place to capture some great scenic shots of the bay. (Oh, and in case the 204 steps seem like they might be too much, there’s always the elevator.)

Donkin Heritage Trail

The backbone of the Route 67 heritage trail, this 5km trail takes visitors through some historical sites in Port Elizabeth’s inner-city Central area. The Donkin Heritage Trail is ideal for those who love some scenery, public art and an educational history tour. This trail offers visitors the opportunity to walk in the footsteps of the British settlers in a tour that doesn’t require a guide as the trail is clearly marked. Expect to see examples of Victorian Gothic architecture, the Donkin Reserve, King George VI art gallery and even the oldest working opera house in the Southern Hemisphere.

Paradise Beach

Just 45 minutes from Port Elizabeth, Jeffreys Bay has long been known as a surfing hotspot, which means that the beaches can get quite busy. If you are looking for something a little off the beaten track, then look no further than the perfectly named Paradise Beach. Halfway between Jeffreys Bay and Cape St Francis lies this 6km stretch of pristine beach bordered by nature reserves and stunning estuaries. You stand a pretty good chance of seeing the local wildlife in its natural habitat, including otters and a number of bird species. This beach is ideal for a day of water sports, tanning and taking stroll while snapping away at the splendour surrounding you. It’s a must-do stop-over on any tour from PE to Cape Town. Click here to find out more about one-way tours to Cape Town, offered in partnership with our sister company, Afroventures.